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Human Behaviors, Cultures, Languages, and Literatures

Art and Architecture History

Bachelor of Arts in Art and Architecture History

Major

  • Oxford
  • Major
  • On Campus

Study the Arts, Understand the World

Art and Architecture History focuses on the different roles that art, architecture, and visual culture of places around the globe have played in human development. Emphasis is placed on how art reflects not only its specific history, but the aesthetic, social, philosophical, and religious values of the cultures that produce it.

Contact Info

Andrew Casper, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Department of Art

124 Art Building, 400 S. Patterson Ave., Oxford, OH 45056

casperar@MiamiOH.edu

Get in Touch

Curriculum and Courses

Art and Architecture History is an interdisciplinary major that includes the Departments of Art, Architecture + Interior Design, the program in Classical Studies, and the Miami University Art Museum. Students of Art and Architecture History acquire skills that are suitable for a far wider range of professional tasks than just those that require knowledge of the content of art history. Some course choices include:

  • ART 188 History of Western Art: Renaissance-Modern
  • ART 309 The Arts of African Peoples
  • ART 314 The Renaissance in Italy
  • ART 389 History of Photography
  • ART 406 Art Since 1980

At Miami, there is something for everyone.

Course Catalog

Career Options

Many students pursue art history with the goal of teaching or working in a museum, gallery, auction house, or other institution in which a knowledge of the history of art across cultures and civilizations is required. By that token, the Art and Architecture History program is designed to prepare students for these types of careers. But other students study art history without having these arts- and culture-based goals in mind. This is because the skills acquired through the study of art history prepare students to enter any professional field that requires a workforce that can work independently and in groups; take on projects that require inquisitiveness and intellectual versatility; distill information effectively, persuasively, and efficiently through written and spoken communication; and learn about and acquire broad expertise in order to expand knowledge and forge new pathways for innovative solutions to complex problems.

Facts and Stats

Your college experience here will be one of the most exciting times of your life. To make sure of this, we’ll provide you with a powerful support system.

  • 90% First-to-second year retention

    Miami University Data

  • 21st Among Public Universities in the United States for Four-Year Graduation Rate

    The Chronicle of Higher Education Almanac

  • 96% of 2018-2019 graduates who were employed or furthering their education by fall 2019

    Miami University Data

Testimonials

Caroline Bastian
  • At Miami, Caroline was able to gain incredible experience through hands-on internships while building her resume and network, which provided the skills and goals needed to pursue a graduate degree on full scholarship.

    Caroline Bastian '19
    Graduate Student, Penn State University

Additional Opportunities

Students in the Art and Architecture History major can supplement the course curriculum with a range of opportunities beyond the university classroom.

  • Study Abroad

    Many study abroad programs offer opportunities to learn about the art of a particular place. These courses can easily be counted for the major.

  • Internships

    Many students complete internships and museums, galleries, or cultural institutions.

  • Curate an Exhibition at the Miami University Art Museum

    Students in the Art and Architecture History major take the Capstone Seminar the fall semester of their senior year. This seminar involves the design and research of actual works of art for an exhibition put on display at the Miami University Art Museum.

Admission and Aid

This is Where Your Journey to Miami University Begins.

Explore what it means to be a college student at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where students prepare to go anywhere and everywhere. We’ll be here to help every step of the way as you prepare for college admission, enrollment, and success.

Related Programs

Art and Architecture History is aligned with other fields in the arts and humanities. It can be a student's primary major, or can be paired with any another field of study, regardless of discipline. Students have combined the major with programs from every school and college at Miami University.

Customize your education to do more, see more, be more.
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